The land of New Caledonia can be appreciated in many ways. By taking walks, of course, but also by choosing to be enriched by everything that makes it one of a kind as a country. By its environment, its traditions, and its inhabitants. It's through contact with the Caledonians, their nature, and their customs that the archipelago truly reveals itself.

The "Théâtre de l'Ile"

If you are staying for a few days in Nouméa, do not miss a performance at the Théâtre de l'Ile. Placed inside a listed building in Nouville, an old prison building dating to the 19th century, this high culture centre is renowned for the wealth of its programming, which alternates local productions and outside productions.

Nouméa, the capital city of New Caledonia is on the ocean. Several bays extend along the city, providing magnificent beaches and points of view. Besides its natural features, Nouméa also has very attractive cultural offerings for tourists who choose to visit there.

From Ouvéa to the Isle of Pines, passing through Lifou, Tiga and Maré, the five islands bordering the Mainland, Grande Terre to the East are yet more gems to discover. From the blue hole of Hanawa at Ouvéa to the Warrior’s Leap at Wakone on Maré, via the Jokin Cliffs at Lifou or the Oro Bay on the Isle of Pines, let yourself be amazed!

The West Coast of the mainland (Grande Terre) shows off a great variety of scenery from its northern tip down to the area surrounding Nouméa. Characterised by both large spaces favouring cattle farming and a lagoon of stunning beauty, the West Coast is also host to a rich cultural heritage.

The central mountain range of the Mainland (Grande Terre) is a natural boundary, overlooking the very different faces of the East and West Coasts. Exposed to strong winds and therefore more humid, the eastern coast offers scenery with sumptuous flora. With a population of largely Melanesian origin, the East Coast has also retained a particularly charming flavour of authenticity.

The Great South, comprising the Mont-Dore and Yaté municipalities, is the most symbolic region for New Caledonia’s three main colours: blue, green and red. From the rainforest to the mining lands there are a thousand shades of green, while the ocean offers a dazzling palette of blues. But if one colour dominates the Great South, it is the specific red of its ground.

Giant Fern Park

Open to the public since 2008, the Giant Fern Park, whose entrance is situated within the Farino commune, bordering Sarraméa and Moindou, allows visitors to cross on foot or by bicycle to explore the richness of the biodiversity of the Southern Province’s huge, green lung.

Spanning an area of 4,535 hectares covered with tropical rainforest, the Giant Fern Park is part of an even vaster forested area belonging to the private domain of the Southern Province. Its entrance is located 6 km from the Town Hall in Farino, about an hour and a half from Nouméa.

Part of the terrestrial area of the West Coast Zone (ZCO) and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it stretches across sedimentary volcanic earth (schist), at a height of between 400 to 700 metres. The park’s dense rainforest displays a huge range of endemic wildlife.

Almost 70% endemic wildlife

A list drawn up in 2009 by the Institute of Development Research (IRD) estimated that almost 500 plant species are present in the park, of which 70% are endemic. If you do chose to walk through the Giant Fern Park, a piece of advice: hire one of the Province’s trained guides to accompany you. They will enable you to discover this extraordinary biodiversity and will be able to explain how the different plants and trees you come across are used, as you wander along one of the many marked out and serviced paths (from 3 to 8 km).

Endemic bird species in the park

If you pay attention and are quiet enough, you can also hear or sense one of the many New Caledonian endemic bird species, including the cagou, the Goliath imperial pigeon, the Caledonian warbler or the green pigeon.

The big, green lung!

Voir plus

Sublime and historic arborescent ferns

The ‘arborescent ferns’, the true stars of the place are of course very present. Appearing around 350 million years ago, there are currently around 13,000 species of fern. This is one of the largest plant families after angiosperms (more commonly known as flowering plants). The vast majority of ferns are found in tropical areas, including arborescent ferns.

We do not know exactly how many species of arborescent ferns there are in the world. In New Caledonia, you find a new one every time you go outside! By contrast, many species have disappeared and are continuing to disappear under the pressure from human activity.

A unique place of species discovery

While it does provide visitors with a unique place of relaxation and discovery, the Giant Fern Park is also intended to help preserve the plant species it is home to. A renowned place of study for scientists from across the world (botanists, entomologists, ornithologists...) the Giant Fern Park must also fight against invading species which threaten the forest’s survival.

The first among these is the Rusa deer (the species found in New Caledonia) and the wild boar. These animals are hunted in a section of the park which is only accessible to hunters...

Trail biking for killer calves

The first two trails in Giant Fern Park are classified as high-level. One is red and the other is black, the two colors considered to be the most difficult. Needless to say, you shouldn’t take off on these trails without a minimum of preparation. Marked for hikers and bikers, these trails call both for athletic ability and meditation.

Pedal, climb and coast

With or without a guide, sports bikers and nature-lovers will be more than fulfilled. Starting in the first few hundred meters, don’t be surprised if you’ll have to pump hard on your bike to reach the top of the steep climbs. This is a trial that bikers will come across many times on the trail. But after the effort comes the payoff! Every grueling climb ends with a downhill coast, which still requires some control over your bike. And between the two, there are great views and wildlife you might spot, like kagu, deer and families of wild pigs.

From biking to footbiking

Nothing’s keeping you from doing away with your bike and start off on footbiking offered by Sud Loisirs. There’s no seat on these frames, but just two wheels and a low platform between them so you can push the bike with your feet. These light, sturdy machines help you get over natural obstacles and master the trails. And the park is a perfect space to enjoy this type of sport!